Who We Are

Former VP of Operations, Santa Cruz Nutritionals

Chief Operating Officer, The Citizens Campaign

President & CEO/Middlesex Water Company

VP Strategy & Digitization, Johnson & Johnson

Professor, Department of Political Science and Law, Montclair State University

Former Councilwoman, Old Bridge Township

Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff
Rutgers University

President/CEO, Venture and Venture

Retired Doctor, James Street Associates

Director, Gibbons PC

Retired Attorney, Hamilton & Golin
Former Deputy Director, Division of Rate Counsel, New Jersey Public Advocate

Professor Emeritus, Political Science Department, Rutgers University

Retired Educator/Graphic Artist

Freelance Editor

Executive Director
Phone: 732-246-4449 ex. 1
Stephanie@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

Stephanie Brown began working with CASA of Middlesex County in February 2015 after spending three years working as an Advocate Coordinator in two large urban CASA programs. Prior to that, she was a caseworker for Child Protective Services in Texas. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is from Linfield College in Oregon and her Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a focus on Community and Administrative Leadership, is from the University of Texas. While at the University of Texas, Stephanie completed the Nonprofit Portfolio program through the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service. Stephanie is a Licensed Social Worker. In her current role as the Executive Director of CASA of Middlesex County, Stephanie spends most of her time supporting staff, fundraising, and collaborating with the board, as we continue developing and improving the quality and quantity of services provided to kids.

Senior Program Director
Phone: 732-246-4449 ex. 3
Colette@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

Colette’s experience with the Middlesex County CASA program started in May 2011 when she began volunteering as an Advocate for CASA. In October 2012, she became a CASA employee and she has been supervising CASA volunteers ever since. Colette remains dedicated to ensuring that every volunteer, and ultimately child, receives the support they need. She also manages and processes much of the data that is collected by the organization, she trains new volunteers, and she maintains relationships with the Courts and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). Colette has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and an extensive background working for an international IT provider.

Program Coordinator
Phone: 732-246-4449 ex. 4
Shanelle@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

Shanelle has been working with CASA since the fall of 2021. She has two Bachelors in Psychology and Criminal Justice from James Madison University, and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University. Shanelle’s extensive schooling and her love of children make her a perfect fit at CASA. Shanelle works very closely with our peer coaches and advocates to ensure the smooth running of our program. She is often a liaison between our volunteers and the Family Court System.

Program Coordinator
732-246-4449 ex.6
edith@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

Edith is from Berkeley Heights, NJ. She was born and raised in Peru and has been living in the United States for over 30 years. She has twin sons who are 16 years old. Her degree is in Interpreting Spoken Languages, Liberal Arts and Science. Prior work experience includes interpretation services, including assisting the D.A office by providing essential translation. Edith would often accompany officers and translate for victims, witnesses, and court officials. She has extensive experience working closely with FEMA, American Red Cross, state, and local agencies. In her free time Edith enjoys yoga, Zumba and attending her son’s football games.

Administrative and Community Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 732-246-4449 ex.6
laurens@casaofmiddlesexcounty.org

Lauren began working as a CASA volunteer in 2019. She was born and raised in New York and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from SUNY Cortland. Lauren spent three years teaching abroad in the Middle East and developed a passion for helping children. As the Community Outreach Coordinator, Lauren is able to further help CASA team members and contribute to CASA’s continued success.

After practicing the role of the CASA advocate, some of our volunteers accept leadership roles as Peer Coordinators. Peer Coordinators provide their expertise and guidance to 5-10 new CASA volunteers at any given time. This allows CASA to increase the number of children we can help without significantly increasing costs related to adding new staff members. These incredible people come from many different backgrounds and experiences, bringing their talents and abilities to the growing body of knowledge accessible by CASA advocates. We could not do this work without them!

Michael Buchman, Susan Druckman, Bethany Fishbein, Caren Iskowitz, Linda Kinsey, Judith Martin Waterman, Rekha Sali, Bernadette Varley, Diane Wanat, Toni Hendrix, Michael Reina, Maggie Manza, Bhopan Krishnan